To boost the quality of locally-grown fruit trees in Malawi, the World Agroforestry Centre is training nursery operators in nursery management, registration and certification.

In an article in The Nation, Bruce Sosola, the Centre’s Malawi Programme Manager, explains that the program is currently optional but will be replaced by mandatory inspections once the government adopts a revised National Seed Policy. It is hoped the new policy will safeguard customers from buying seedlings that are poorly raised, stunted, diseased, unlabeled and unviable.

“Through these trainings, we want to create a cadre of nursery operators who will produce impeccable seedlings,” said Sosola.

Amon Phiri, horticultural officer in the Department of Crop Development, said the initiative represents a major step towards setting and entrenching standards in the industry

The training is being conducted as part of the Agroforestry Food Security Programme which the Centre is coordinating in 5 districts in Malawi with an emphasis on the use of trees for fuel, food, fertilizer and fodder.

Read the full story: ICRAF promoting quality fruit nurseries